Tag Archives: solar energy systems

A New Leaf Inc., Boys & Girls Club of Metropolitan Phoenix and Hospice of the Valley are getting some of their electric needs directly from the sun thanks to donations of solar energy systems from Salt River Project customers.

The three nonprofits were chosen to receive solar energy systems by SRP EarthWise™ Energy customers who voted for their favorite charities. The solar energy systems, valued at about $63,000 each, enable the nonprofits to offset their electricity usage and save money on their monthly electric bills. The savings they will see will help them direct more funds to the communities they serve.

“Partnering with SRP to help our Clubs become more energy efficient really allows us to maximize every dollar for programs and services,” said Amy Gibbons, President & Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix of the system installed at the facility located at 7th Ave. and Southern. “The solar energy systems from SRP is a great complement to our efforts to help kids build Earthwise, energy-smart habits that will follow them into adulthood and we’re thrilled to be chosen as a recipient of this wonderful program.”

In addition to saving money, the solar energy systems will result in a reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. A typical 10-kilowatt solar electric system helps to avoid the release of almost 20,000 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions annually, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

“During these times of economic recovery, the SRP EarthWise Energy solar system will save precious dollars, allowing A New Leaf to invest back into the East Valley Men’s Shelter and the men who call it home,” said Michael T. Hughes, A New Leaf CEO of the system installed at a facility in Mesa. “We extend our humble thanks for this generous gift.”

The solar donation benefitted the Lund Family Hospice Home in Gilbert, a facility of the Hospice of the Valley.

“The SRP photovoltaic system will provide our first opportunity to experience the benefits of solar power,” said Diana Murray, vice president of facilities and purchasing for Hospice of the Valley. “We are grateful for the support and generosity of SRP and EarthWise Energy customers.”

The remaining four finalists, Homeward Bound, Fit Kids Inc., Junior Achievement of Arizona and Mountain Health and Wellness each received a solar water heater for their facilities that will also help to offset electricity usage.

SRP EarthWise Energy is a voluntary program that SRP customers can participate in for as little as $3 per month, with 100 percent of the funds used to provide solar photovoltaic (PV) systems to Valley nonprofit organizations. In addition to helping nonprofits save money, the program contributes to the growth of solar energy in the Valley and educates customers on the importance of renewable energy.

Paige, who has been a member of Valley Forward since 2005, brought an accounting degree, an MBA and some 30 years of business experience to PerfectPower. She established solid management systems, hired a professional sales team, facilitated an alliance with a professional training group and instituted strict guidelines for working with commercial and residential clients.

Although Arizona is the sunshine capital of the country, it’s also one of the nation’s heat capitals, which presents a bit of challenge for solar, as well as other energy industries.

“Heat de-rates a solar system, which means it produces less electricity than the same system would in, for example, Kansas City,” Paige says. “Our big goal at PerfectPower is to figure out a way to design a system around that heat factor that will produce more kilowatt hours than it would otherwise. We’ll be using the sun to do that.”

Yet another challenge is convincing consumers that solar energy is cost effective.

“People do not believe that solar is less expensive than producing electricity through nuclear or coal plants,” Paige says. “It pays for itself in a short time with federal and utility incentives and tax credits. There’s really no excuse today for anyone not to be using solar.”

For a commercial customer, solar would pay for itself in 18 months. For residential, depending on the size and type of system, the break-even point is three to seven years, Paige says.

“If you’re not using solar, at the end of seven years you’re still paying the utility company,” she says. “With solar, at the end of seven years you could have all of your energy for free. It’s a no-brainer. I’ve had solar at my home for three years and I have no energy bills. I can’t tell you how liberating that is. It’s kind of heady to be your own little power plant. It’s really a neat thing.”

What’s more, solar improves Arizona’s quality of life.

“It’s cleaner and it produces a steady line of electricity — no sporadic spikes,” Paige says.